Are Jamaican fans drifting away from track and field? When Grand Slam Track inaugurated its first-ever slam in Kingston, Jamaica, back in April, the fan turnout was worryingly poor. So much that the organisers had to announce free bleacher seats for the coming days. Many would have thought, maybe this is a one-time miss. But well, 2 months since that and the Racers Grand Prix 2025 has now slammed a more shocking reality for the track world to process. Despite household names like Shericka Jackson, Kishane Thompson, and others running, what happened at this event will leave you stunned!

The seventh edition of the Racers Grand Prix returned to the same National Stadium where GST held its inaugural leg, with a capacity of 35,00o, on Saturday. And this year was meant to be special. 3 days before the event, the Racers Grand Prix CEO, Devon Blake made a bold claim, “We’re not just putting on a track meet, we’re putting on a show.” They even introduced VIP cabanas, each capacitated to hold 12 guests, but these came with a lot of perks like exlusive food truck access and as Blake said, “You’re right next to the action. It’s easier to get autographs, selfies, and just soak in the energy.” But were these enough to attract fans?

Maybe not. Because the Racers Grand Prix featured mega wins, including Shericka Jackson’s who came first in a season best time of 22.53 seconds. On another note, Kishane Thompson grabbed gold in the 100m men’s race too. But while both the racers from the MVP track club seemed to have a great day, the fans apparently didn’t. As cameras zoomed out for a wider view of the 200m race, it could be seen that a majority of seats in the stands were empty, except for one section that was occupied.

Also, unfortunately, the Racers Grand Prix featured multiple other lapses too, right from poor spectator turnout to security issues. So much so that one fan commented, “Seating at racers Grand Prix is bare drama. No security to help the ushers. I just watch people refuse to give two elderly ladies their seat and they had to climb over the one empty seat to go in the next section. This is madness.” Well, the on-ground condition looks quite concerning, now that statements and facts are surfacing.

This event, which had Shericka Jackson running, also faced streaming difficulties. And not just by fans, the same was experienced by a Jamaican track and field athlete herself, who was left frustrated. Junelle Bromfield took to Instagram and added a story saying, “Last time I’m paying for 1 spot media because mine never work yet when I want to watch a meet,” after she failed to tune into the event.

After all, this isn’t just any other event. The Racers Grand Prix is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Series. So, such mishaps can really prove detrimental to the sport’s visibility. And naturally, after all this, the fans were upset, but at least they didn’t keep quiet.

Despite Shericka Jackson’s win, fans seemed disappointed

The Racers Grand Prix 2025 was progressive in its own ways. For the first time ever, the event features a “Kiddies Village,” which will feature bounce houses and a play zone, giving children a safe and fun environment while parents enjoy the meet. Organizing a “full day out” for families was the plan. But from a track and field perspective, things really backfired.

Taking to X, one of the fans commented, “I hope somebody stream ended up working.” Well, this sint the first time a track and field event is facing streaming issues. But the recurrent nature of this one problem is really concerning for the sport. Especially after athletes like Noah Lyles have voiced their opinion time and again on how, “We don’t even have a place to go and tell them to watch the track meet. Because in every other country, it’s in a different place. You gotta get a VPN. You gotta find your own website. You have to find these back alley places to watch regular TV in a different language…” And Noah wasn’t wrong. Today, many who attempted to watch the Racers Grand Prix might have felt this.

Another fan however, felt the turnout was just fine. They said, “Racers Grand Prix get a good turnout. Grandstand full go capacity and Bleachers turnout no bad at all.” Well, yes one section of the stand was filled. But is that enough for a league where the world’s fastest 200m woman alive, Shericka Jackson, is performing? Or an Olympic silver medalist? Well no. And especially when the management had expected more, “We’ve been out on the streets doing promotions, and the buzz is there,” said the event CEO.

The CEO also claimed that for a three-ticket giveaway, nearly 5000 fans put in their claims, which showed local interest. But, turns out that didn’t mature into a full house. Yet one of the fans had a suggestion for the meet. They said, “The relays would have been perfect for racers grand Prix enuh.” Well, maybe. Relays usually feature dramatic twists and exciting track action. So this would have helped in pulling a larger crowd.

But not everyone thinks it was that bad. Some of them even left comments like, “Racers Grand Prix was so goodddddd.” After all, the results were amazing. Shericka Jackson and Thompson both ran season bests. Tina Clayton joined the party too with her 10.98s season best. So one thing is sure: after this race, Jamaicans are back into the track and field power race!